Famous Dave's Stance on Gluten-Free
Famous Dave's is transparent about its kitchen environment and limitations. The official company allergen guide clearly states that no items are certified as gluten-free. This is because their kitchens are not dedicated gluten-free facilities, and cross-contact with gluten-containing items can easily occur during preparation. This disclaimer is critical information for anyone with celiac disease, for whom even a small amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction. The company's stance means diners must proceed with extreme caution and understand that a truly gluten-free meal is not a possibility within their establishment.
The restaurant's shared cooking spaces are the primary source of risk. For example, fried items share a fryer with gluten-containing breaded items, and grilled items often cook on surfaces with gluten. Additionally, almost all signature BBQ sauces contain gluten, which is used to baste many dishes. Even seemingly safe items could have come into contact with gluten-contaminated surfaces or utensils. Therefore, while some items may not contain gluten in their base ingredients, they cannot be considered safe for those with serious sensitivities.
Meats and Protein: What to Know
When it comes to the centerpiece of the Famous Dave's menu—the BBQ—the options for gluten-free eating are extremely limited and come with significant caveats. The company's allergens list and customer reports highlight that many meats are prepared with rubs or sauces containing gluten. While some raw items might be safe, the preparation process makes it impossible to guarantee a gluten-free outcome. A previous version of their website indicated that some grocery-store products from the 'Famous Products' line were gluten-free, but this does not apply to restaurant dining.
Meats to Consider with Extreme Caution:
- Naked Ribs: Some reports suggest it may be possible to order 'naked' ribs without sauce, but this requires a specific request for clean preparation and an awareness that the dry rub may contain gluten or be applied in an area where cross-contact is likely. The dry rub has been reported to contain maltodextrin, which can be derived from wheat.
- Country-Roasted Chicken: This is often cited as a potential option, but again, verification is needed. Guests must explicitly request that it be prepared without any sauce and ensure the kitchen can accommodate a clean preparation surface, which is not guaranteed.
- Naked Brisket: Similar to ribs, ordering brisket without sauce might be possible, but the risk of cross-contamination remains high.
The Side Dish Situation
Famous Dave's sides offer slightly more hope, but risks are still present. It is crucial to check the most recent allergen guide as ingredients can change. The primary issue with most sides is the risk of cross-contact. For instance, any item prepared in a shared fryer should be avoided, such as fries.
Side Dishes to Inquire About:
- Corn on the Cob: Usually a safe bet, but it's important to ask how it is cooked and served to avoid cross-contamination from other dishes.
- Coleslaw: Many types of coleslaw are gluten-free, but the dressing is the key. Always ask your server to confirm the specific ingredients and preparation.
- Garden Salad: Ordering a salad without croutons is a common request. However, you must also verify the dressing ingredients, and ensure no other gluten-containing items were prepared on the same surface as the salad ingredients.
- Garlic Red-Skin Mashed Potatoes: Reported as a possible gluten-free side, though cross-contact remains a risk.
What to Absolutely Avoid
To ensure a safe dining experience, several items should be avoided entirely. The BBQ sauces are a major source of gluten, with many reports indicating that none of the in-house sauces are safe for celiacs. Breads, buns, and fried foods are also definite no-gos.
Always Avoid:
- All BBQ sauces
- Cornbread muffins
- Sandwiches and burgers with buns
- Any fried items, including fries and catfish fingers
- Caesar salad (due to croutons and dressing ingredients)
- Hand-breaded items like chicken strips
Comparison of Potential Gluten-Free Items
| Potentially Gluten-Friendly Items | High-Risk/Gluten-Containing Items |
|---|---|
| Country-Roasted Chicken (plain) | BBQ Sauces (all varieties) |
| Naked Ribs (special request) | Cornbread Muffins |
| Naked Brisket (special request) | Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips |
| Plain Corn on the Cob | All fried menu items (shared fryer) |
| Creamy Coleslaw (check dressing) | Sandwiches and Burgers (with bun) |
| Fresh Garden Salad (no croutons) | Caesar Salad (croutons and dressing) |
Tips for Ordering Safely at Famous Dave's
- Read the Allergen Guide: Always check the most recent version of the official allergen guide on the Famous Dave's website before your visit. Ingredient lists and preparation methods can change over time. Famous Dave's Allergen Guide
- Communicate Clearly: Inform your server about your celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and its severity. Be specific about your needs, emphasizing that cross-contamination is a concern.
- Request Manager Assistance: Ask to speak with the restaurant manager. Managers are often more knowledgeable about kitchen procedures and ingredient details. Some reviewers have had positive experiences where managers took extra care to prepare their meals safely.
- Order Plain and Simple: Stick to the simplest preparation possible. Order meats without sauce or rub. Request sides like vegetables to be cooked separately and without any added flavorings or sauces.
- Reconsider Other Options: If you are highly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, Famous Dave's might not be the safest restaurant choice. The widespread use of gluten and shared equipment makes a truly gluten-free meal difficult to achieve. Exploring other BBQ options with more dedicated protocols may be a better option.
Conclusion: Navigating the Gluten-Free Challenge at Famous Dave's
Famous Dave's, while offering some items that may not contain gluten in their core ingredients, is not a safe haven for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. The company's official stance and the reality of a busy restaurant kitchen with shared cooking spaces mean that cross-contamination is a significant and ever-present risk. For diners with serious gluten concerns, this is not a matter to be taken lightly. It requires careful communication with staff and an acceptance that absolute safety cannot be guaranteed. By adhering to strict ordering protocols, speaking with a manager, and avoiding high-risk items like sauces and fried foods, it may be possible to mitigate some risk. However, for many, the inherent dangers may make Famous Dave's a restaurant best avoided in favor of establishments with dedicated gluten-free preparation areas or certified gluten-free options. Always prioritize your health and safety when making a dining decision.
